Charity grant could be life-changing for veterans

A charity which delivers life-changing projects to ex-servicemen and women who are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to a civilian world has been awarded a Veterans’ Foundation grant.Thanks to a donation by the team at Forces Reunited, the VF has been able to give valuable funds to the Forward Assist charity that will ensure veterans in need - including those suffering from social isolation, mental or physical health issues, unemployment and homelessness - get advice and support from a specialist team.This can be given through one-to-one sessions from co-ordinators or via work experience. Forward Assist also uses sport and diversionary approaches to their work including mountain adventure, cycling, fencing, shooting, archery, creative writing, photography, history groups, fishing, horticulture and cooking classes.“We are looking to continue our outdoor sports and diversionary activities across 2017 following the success of the activities carried out in 2016. We hired an ex reservist Outdoor adventure specialist who, with our project worker, took a group of 10-12 veterans on a variety of activities including gyhll scrambling, climbing, coasteering, mountaineering and canoeing.

"This grant will fund 24 sessions of activities across 10-12 months, culminating in a week’s residential at Alternate Forces based in Rochdale.

“From the feedback we have received from the veterans who have taken part, these activities have been vital in decreasing social isolation as well as improving their mental and physical health,” explained Forward Assist CEO Tony Wright.

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